The Fiji Bitter Kadavu 7s took place over the weekend, where Wardens Gold triumphed over Peagus Lavidi with a score of 17-15, bringing excitement to the island. Sports reporter John Chetty, who covered the event in Namalata, Kadavu, noted that despite adverse weather conditions, the local villagers warmly welcomed guests and even assisted in draining water from the field.
Kadavu has a rich rugby heritage, having produced notable players such as Sireli Naqelevuki and Setareki Tawake. Minister for Women and President of Kadavu Rugby, Lynda Tabuya, highlighted the need to nurture local talent, encouraging Kadavu to become a leading force in rugby. She also praised the campaign, “Say no to drugs.”
The enthusiasm surrounding rugby was evident as the Namalata 7s sought to foster the next generation of players to enhance Fiji’s rugby performance. Osea Kolinisau was present in search of young talent and hinted at the potential selection of new players for the national team.
There is an urgent call for national 7s teams to ramp up their preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 HSBC SVNS WRSS.
In a separate matter, concerns have been raised regarding rising crime statistics in Fiji. Citizens must engage in meaningful discussions and initiatives to reduce crime while fostering a culture of safety and peaceful coexistence. Appreciation was extended to the Fiji Police Force for bringing attention to the crime rate.
In addition, the lack of access to legal services in rural areas such as Vunidawa is alarming, as residents are unable to obtain justice due to the absence of legal aid offices. There are calls for the Legal Aid Commission to expand its facilities to better serve people in remote communities.
Additionally, road safety remains a critical concern, especially around the festive season, as issues like reckless driving and substance abuse contribute to accidents. Citizens are reminded to follow road rules to ensure safety for all.
In sports, congratulations were due to the Labasa Lions for their impressive victory in the 2024 soccer IDC, uniting the community in celebration of their achievement.
There were also reports of positive interactions with the Fiji Roads office in Lautoka, where plans for upgrading roads were discussed, while citizens were encouraged to contribute to the maintenance of public infrastructure.
Further discussions highlighted the educational challenges faced in Fiji, particularly concerning language barriers that affect student engagement and retention in schools. Advocates are urging for educational programs to be delivered in local languages to make learning more accessible.
Concerns over juvenile crime prompted reflections on the traditional family structure, with suggestions to revisit effective disciplinary methods to curb youth offenses.
Lastly, several commentators criticized the proliferation of political parties in Fiji, calling for unity and accountability among leaders to better represent the interests of all Fijians. Concerns were also raised regarding a $200 million debt write-off for the FSC, with calls for equal empathy towards struggling sugar cane farmers. The debate continues regarding the feasibility of a promised new sugar mill in Rakiraki, revealing discrepancies between political promises and reality.
Overall, the articles reflect on various issues ranging from sports to social concerns, emphasizing community engagement and proactive measures.